3D non-contact system for wind tunnel testing

MobiusWT

MobiusWT is an video non-contact sensor system suitable for the measurement of strain, deformation and displacement within wind tunnel testing applications.
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Accurate

Better than 0.1 microns, at real-time measurement rates of up to 500 hertz.

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Durable

Robust design for use in real industrial applications

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Effortless

Pre-calibrated and ready to use out of the box

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Tolerant

Tolerant of low and variable lighting conditions

Taking a collaborative approach to enhance wind tunnel testing

Working alongside our valued customers and partners, we have been able to develop software functionalities to enhance your testing experience. Enhance your workflow through advanced techniques such as:

  • Rigid Body Motion Correction: Applying Rigid Body Motion Correction (RBMC) can eliminate the additional model movement from the results, delivering true deformation measurement of discrete components or points.
  • Unified Coordinate System: This feature ties together multiple views of the same test object without requiring each Measurement Head to share an overlapping field of view.
  • Unlimited measurement tool sets (Position, Displacement, Distance, Strain, Rotation and LVDT)
  • On-board Post Processing capability
  • Full Field 3D compensated Strain Maps as standard (eliminates distortion created by Z-direction movement)

Wind tunnel measurement

Wind tunnel testing requires capturing multiple data points simultaneously to measure displacements, strains and rotations with high precision. Traditional contacting sensors often introduce challenges such as wiring complexity, sensor interference and limited measurement range. MobiusWT overcomes these issues by providing a non-contact, high-accuracy measurement solution tailored for wind tunnel applications.

In this image you have MobiusWT, a 3d non-contact measurement solution for wind tunnel testing, in front of a wind tunnel

Digital Image Correlation

Imetrum’s Digital Image Correlation software, Video Gauge™, uses point tracking algorithms, incorporating a range of mathematical functions for analysing the behaviour of the component under test.

MobiusWT’s enhanced features are the culmination of many years of development in Imetrum’s three-dimensional displacement measurement capability. This, in combination with class leading accuracy and resolution, means it offers the most data rich output of any comparable 3D Digital Image Correlation system.

An image taken from Imetrum's digital image correlation software, Video Gauge, showing a half plane wing model with a strain map on.

Proven performance in Aerospace and Motorsport

Mobius is already in use within Formula 1 and aerospace wind tunnels, demonstrating its capability to deliver data accuracy beyond traditional sensors. Its ability to work in challenging environments while maintaining sub-micron precision makes it the ideal solution for aerodynamic research.

By simplifying setup, improving accuracy and enabling deeper post-test analysis, MobiusWT transforms wind tunnel testing, ensuring researchers capture the most complete and reliable data possible.

In this image you have 2 Mobius measurement heads synchronised, measuring a Formula 1 front wing in a wind tunnel

Easy integration into Wind Tunnel Control System

The MobiusWT system supports full integration of its testing capability into any Wind Tunnel Control System (WTCS). A WTCS can easily be configured for remote control of MobiusWT testing via universally available TCP communication. This integration delivers a suite of simple commands which allow for automation and streamlining of the test process.

For example, test control from the WTCS enables timed synchronisation of data acquisition inline with other equipment controlled by the WTCS. During testing, live measurement data can be streamed over network protocols and automatically integrated, displayed and stored alongside other data sources. This seamless connectivity delivers simple and efficient wind tunnel testing, empowering users to get the most out of every run.

Image of a person in a wind tunnel control room

Application examples for MobiusWT

Finite Element (FE) model validation

  • Ensures that a design behaves as expected under real-world conditions. Simulations predict aerodynamic responses, which are then tested using a scale model in a wind tunnel to confirm their accuracy. Key insights gained from wind tunnel validation include structural deformations and vibrational responses.

Wing performance testing

  • Similar to FE validation, wing performance testing involves iterative wind tunnel experiments on different wing profiles. Small modifications, such as adjustments to wing shape, wind speed or heading angle, allow for a detailed evaluation of aerodynamic performance. By testing these variations systematically, the design can be refined to optimise efficiency and stability.

 

Mobius’ suitability for wind tunnel testing lies in its ability to facilitate precise aerodynamic assessments, enabling continuous refinement of simulations and performance characteristics through controlled, repeatable research.

In this image you have a Formula 1 Front wing marked with Imetrum's Digital Image Correlation software tracking targets
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Bespoke solutions for wind tunnel testing

Imetrum provides fully tailored MobiusWT solutions, customising factors such as measurement volume, light wavelength and installation process. This ensures that each system meets the precise requirements of the application.

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